LOCAL
Support MultiCare workers at picket Thursday in Tacoma
Despite having a federal mediator at the table, and a total of 16 negotiation sessions since early last fall, the process continues to be slow and frustrating for MultiCare Health System workers represented by UFCW 21. The union reports that its bargaining team has been patiently making proposals and responding to management’s proposals for seven months with very little progress.
MultiCare workers’ issues remain the same:
► Addressing layoffs and outsourcing of jobs as workloads increase;
► Protecting rights at work and a voice on the job, ensuring respect for workers and patients’ quality care;
► Preserving quality living standards for workers and their families;
► Securing retirement to allow workers to age with dignity after a lifetime of work; and
► Protecting workers and patients from aggressive debt collection. (See “Report: Non-profit MultiCare prioritizing profits and collections” in The Stand, April 9, 2015)
After seven months of bargaining, now is the time for workers and community to send a clear message to MultiCare management that they must settle a fair contract.
UFCW 21 is the largest private-sector union in Washington, with more than 43,000 members working in grocery store, retail, health care, meat processing and other industry jobs.Learn more at ufcw21.org.